Philosophy of Mind: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives - Third Edition

This book introduces students to the principal issues in the philosophy of mind by tracing the history of the subject from Plato and Aristotle through to the present day. Over forty primary-source readings are included. Extensive commentaries from the editors are provided to guide student readers through the arguments and jargon and to offer necessary historical context for the readings. The new third edition examines some of the most exciting recent developments in the field, including advances in theories about the mind’s relation to action and agency. Previous editions of this book, published under the title A Historical Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind, have been praised and widely taught for more than two decades.

“"Morton and Mylopoulos have assembled a well-chosen selection of readings, drawn from the canons of ancient, modern, and contemporary philosophy of mind. If they had done no more than this then their book would already be a valuable resource. They have, in fact, done a great deal more. Each section is accompanied by several lectures' worth of clearly-written introductory discussion, and each concludes with a large number of stimulating study questions, which point students to some of the most crucial argumentative details, and which help to bring these wide-ranging readings into dialogue. Their book will be of unrivalled usefulness for undergraduate classes that aim to situate philosophical thinking about the mind in the context of its history." -- Christopher Mole, University of British Columbia "This book provides a good selection of historical classics, along with contemporary readings on action, consciousness and artificial minds. What sets it apart, though, are the extensive commentaries that deftly weave together the issues and arguments found in the readings. These commentaries are models of clear and even-handed philosophical discussion--the perfect springboard for both lectures and focused classroom discussions. Perhaps best of all, the commentaries provide students with the sense that understanding the human mind is very much a 'live' project to which they can themselves contribute." -- Kathleen Akins, Simon Fraser University "By bringing together primary texts, the editors' commentaries and explanations, study questions, and lists of suggested readings, this book provides a clear roadmap for those navigating philosophy of mind for the first time, as well as those for whom the field is familiar territory. Instructors will appreciate this volume for its excellent curation of central texts. Students will appreciate it for its clarity of presentation and explanation of difficult concepts. And any reader will appreciate the way in which it provides exactly what its title promises: a thorough introduction to the central historical and contemporary perspectives in the philosophy of mind." -- Joseph Vukov, Loyola University Chicago”

“Peter A. Morton and Myrto Mylopoulos have assembled a well-chosen selection of readings, drawn from the canons of ancient, modern, and contemporary philosophy of mind. If they had done no more than this, then their book would already have been a valuable resource. But they have, in fact, done a great deal more. Each section is accompanied by several lectures’ worth of clearly written introductory discussion, and each concludes with a large number of stimulating study questions that point students to some of the most crucial argumentative details and help to bring these wide-ranging readings into dialogue. Their book will be of unrivalled usefulness for undergraduate classes that aim to situate philosophical thinking about the mind in the context of its history.” — Christopher Mole, University of British Columbia

“This book provides a good selection of historical classics, along with contemporary readings on action, consciousness, and artificial minds. What sets it apart, though, are the extensive commentaries that deftly weave together the issues and arguments found in the readings. These commentaries are models of clear and even-handed philosophical discussion—the perfect springboard for both lectures and focused classroom discussions. Perhaps best of all, the commentaries provide students with the sense that understanding the human mind is very much a ‘live’ project to which they themselves can contribute.” — Kathleen Akins, Simon Fraser University

“By bringing together primary texts, the editors’ commentaries and explanations, study questions, and lists of suggested readings, this book provides a clear roadmap for those navigating philosophy of mind for the first time, as well as those for whom the field is familiar territory. Instructors will appreciate this volume for its excellent curation of central texts. Students will appreciate it for its clarity of presentation and explanation of difficult concepts. And any reader will appreciate the way in which it provides exactly what its title promises: a thorough introduction to the central historical and contemporary perspectives in the philosophy of mind.” — Joseph Vukov, Loyola University Chicago

Peter A. Morton is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Humanities at Mount Royal University; he is editor of several acclaimed books of history and philosophy. Myrto Mylopoulos is Associate Professor of Philosophy and Cognitive Science at Carleton University; she has published numerous articles on the philosophy of mind, cognitive science, and action.

This book introduces students to the principal issues in the philosophy of mind by tracing the history of the subject from Plato and Aristotle through to the present day. Over forty primary-source readings are included. Extensive commentaries from the editors are provided to guide student readers through the arguments and jargon and to offer necessary historical context for the readings. The new third edition examines some of the most exciting recent developments in the field, including advances in theories about the mind's relation to action and agency. Previous editions of this book, published under the title A Historical Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind, have been praised and widely taught for more than two decades.

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